ACHIEVE ANYTHING

On my quest to feel I’ve accomplished something more than picking up toys, changing diapers and emptying the dishwasher on any given day, I created my go to reminders on how to finish the work I need to get done. These have been invaluable to me, I hope they help you too…

• Shower – I know it seems trivial and simple but this will pay off big time! For you new Mommas out there, it can be quite daunting. Who knew a shower was such a luxury? I admit, I’ve learned to perfect my appearance not showering…. A little baby powder in the hair, a sprits of perfume, some eyeliner, voila! Unfortunately, I was called out by my sweetheart when he observed my towel hadn’t changed position. Who notices that stuff?! Certainly not I. I’m lucky I remember I have two children to love and care for on a daily basis. The rest is all a blur. So, the shower becomes the answer! While it may involve waking up a little extra early to sneak in before everyone else awakes, this will pay dividends! You’ll feel more awake than you would have even if you had that extra sleep, your mind will be rejuvenated and you’ll realize you once again belong to the human race;)

• Dress in something that makes you feel fabulous for the task at hand. I know, we all love our yoga pants and some days, they are exactly what’s required. But, if we wish to finish something other than story time, an outfit that makes you feel alive will carry you throughout the day! Reminding ourselves that we may not want to indulge in the whole box of cookies because our pants no longer stretch can be a good thing.;) #Momstyle

• Create your own space! For me, it’s my computer and bible on the island in my kitchen. Think practical. Where do you spend most of your day? Someone in our house is always hungry or thirsty so when I’ve tamed the wild beasts and they’re happily enjoying their snack, those minutes in the kitchen add up. By having my things in place, I can easily finish some work without having to search five different rooms for what I need because by the time I’d find it, my opportunity would be out the window, along with my kids.

• Work Smarter not harder. Ie. - Don’t write something down if you know you need to type it later. We live in the modern world people! (And by people, I mean myself – as I still prefer keeping a calendar that’s not in my phone;) Talk into your phone to put those words down on paper, if you must but stop doing twice the work. And, do it when it comes to you. No sense in taking the time to write it down if it’s something you could do then and there. Chances are, you’ll never go back to it later. “Progress is progress” – it’s true! Do one thing each day and when the year flies by, like it always does, you will have accomplished 365 things! That’s a lot better than a whole bunch of nothing, so get goingJ

• Don’t go it alone! Guaranteed, there’s someone else in this world doing something similar to you. Reach out to them. We’re all striving to do our best to provide the best life we can for the ones we love. Having someone else share your journey makes it more enjoyable for both. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” – Ecclesiastes 5:9

• Focus. Forget the coffee. Drink it if you must but remember, hydrating your body with water will help you focus more than caffeine. On the days when your mind is running in a thousand different directions (like mine usually is), make an hour by hour to do list. We can become distracted in so many ways. We start a task, only to get a whiff of a dirty diaper than suddenly needs attention. Friends text us, which is great but before we know it, our day can often run away from us if we don’t reclaim our time. The procrastinator in me knows that if I have from 1:30 – 2:30 to complete something versus the whole day, I actually make it happen before I’m exhausted at the end of the night and put it off yet again.

• Join ‘Em! Ever notice how the moment you hop on the phone to make an important call or pull out your computer, your kids immediately need your attention? There’s no point in working at that time! Did you hear me? Do not ignore this advice, unless you enjoy frustration. The nagging won’t stop, so join them. Sit on the floor and build with blocks, reminding them that they can build anything in life, pull them into your lap and read a story together. So often the moral rings true in our lives as well. Cuddle up and tell them about their family, wrestle with them on the ground, tickle them. Be engaged for fifteen minutes. Then, since they have lovely short attention spans, they’ll be off to play with their toys and you’ll be free to finish your work!

• Exercise - I said it, I'm sorry. I know you might think the first moment you have to yourself might be better spent scrolling through social media or watching TV but remember before you had kids, when you were full of energy and life? It's because you ex-er-cised. And you know how you didn’t know what anger was before children? It's because you ex-er-cised. Not only will you be able to keep your cool throughout the day but when your kids see you workout, they'll have a role model and understand why it's important to stay in shape. You'll understand that too the second week into your workout (you'll hate me the first;) You don't have to join an expensive gym or pay for childcare. There are workouts on YouTube you can sweat to or involve your kids and make it fun. Lift them in the air, working those biceps, squat down to their level so you can look them in the eyes and feel that burn. Both of you will be thankful;)

• Find the Quiet. Who said work needed to be done during daylight hours? I often feel 2am is my most productive hour. Usually I’m waking up in the kids’ room, where I passed out putting them down to sleep at 8. I’ve already had six solid hours of sleep so if I stay up ‘till morning, not only can I accomplish more in those four hours than I do in a typical week, I’m usually able to move about my day just as easily as I would if I had gotten more sleep. Added bonus… I don’t even feel the frustration I typically would when one of the kids wakes up at 3am because I’m already awake;)

• Always be praying. The days I start my morning with prayer are beautiful. It’s so easy to rush into our day without taking time to speak to our Creator but He’s the One who knows the best plan for our life. “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8 He wants to be a part of our day and He gives us many opportunities to be reminded how much we need Him. So, personally, I like to talk to Him throughout my day; thank Him when I see my kiddoes holding hands, running down the hall in their jammies, when I’m on my knees cleaning up the latest spill, when I open the blinds and see the sun shining or when I feel anxious because His Presence always brings peace, just like He promises. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” – Phil 4:6-7

What helps you accomplish your dreams?

#Phil467 #Psalm328 #momstyle